Conoclinium coelestinum

Conoclinium coelestinum (L.) DC.

Blue Mistflower, Wild Ageratum, Blue Boneset

Synonym(s): Eupatorium coelestinum

Mistflower grows to 3 feet high, but often lower, with leaves opposite, somewhat triangular in shape, and bluntly toothed. At the top of the plant the branches, with their short-stemmed clusters of flowers, form an almost flat top. Disk flowers are bright blue or violet, about 1/4 inch long. There are no ray flowers.

Blue Mistflower attracts bees and butterflies. However, this wildflower spreads quickly and can become a pest.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade Soil Moisture: Moist CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium Soil Description: Moist loam, sand, or clay. Conditions Comments: Blue mistflower is good as a border plant or as a colonizing groundcover. The fluffy-edged flowers are a magnet for late-season butterflies. It also spreads quickly and can become a pest.

Value to Beneficial Insects

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds Description: Propagate by root division or by seed. Sow seeds in fall or provide cold stratification. Mist flower can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring. Seed Collection: Seeds can be allowed to dry out before sowing. Seed Treatment: This species requires or benefits from a three month period of cold moist stratification in the refrigerator. Commercially Avail: yes

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